Page 11 of Untruly With You

“They’re excited for you too, you know.”

During the ceremony, I can’t focus on the words much. My gaze, as usual, is drawn to Laine, studying her smile, appreciating the proud tilt of her chin.

“You did great,” I whisper to her once we’re standing in line for the stage.

Laine turns back and flicks the gold cord around my neck, grinning. “Me?You’re the one with the perfect GPA. Besides,I’m convinced I only passed Mr. Hirsch’s Shakespeare class because you’re the one in charge of grading homework.”

“Are you accusing me of cheating in your favor?”

“Maybe my parents paid you off,” Laine says, shrugging playfully.

I roll my eyes. “You’re not waving off your accomplishments that easily, Laine. I’ll have you know that I haven’t graded a single assignment of yours.”

Laine’s brows furrow. “What do you mean? You always graded homework for Mr. Hirsch.”

“Yes, but neveryours.”

She scoffs. “Why not?”

“Because I am…” I pause, inhaling sharply. “I’m a bit biased toward you. You earned that A.”

“You didn’t have to do that, you know. It’s not like we were dating or—”

“I know,” I interject, my face warm.

“Right. I know you know.” Laine spins her rings around her fingers, beaming. “So, I actually did it? Fair and square?”

“Fair and square.”

Laine’s dark eyes shine. “How am Ievergoing to pay you back for all your help?” she asks.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” We walk in silence for a few moments until I ask, “Whydidyou need my help?”

She scoffs. “I’m surprised you need to ask me that. After all,I’mnot the one with the perfect GPA. Far from it.”

“I mean, why didn’t you ask Cyrus to tutor you? He knows more about Shakespeare than I ever will.”

Laine shrugs, a rare downturn of her lips showing. “We haven’t talked much since the divorce. Not until he met you. I think he’s proud of me just for having a friend like you.”

“They would be proud of you whether or not I was here,” I say. “I’m sure he would have been happy to help. But I’m glad you decided to ask me instead.”

She nods, smiling at her shoes. “I’m glad too.”

“When areyou going to tell me what the plan is for tonight?” Laine asks after we drop off our caps and gowns at her apartment. For weeks, I’ve been planning the perfect celebration for her. Originally, her parents were going to join, but they backed out, last minute, encouraging us to celebrate, just the two of us.

I lead Laine in the direction of our first location. The sun is starting to dip lower, a warm breeze carrying pink clouds through the sky. “First stop is The Trestle,” I say, grinning in anticipation. We went there, an American bistro in Queens, during one of our first study sessions we had over dinner. Since then, it’s been a staple. In fact, everywhere we’re going tonight is a place we’ve already been together and loved.

“Ooh, truffle cheese fries?” Laine asks, her dark eyes sparkling.

“Of course. But as much as you love The Trestle, I know you’d still end up wondering what dinner would have been like somewhere else. So, after we have our appetizer there, we’re going to Marufuku for ramen—”

Laine squeezes my arm excitedly.

“Then to Maison Pickle for their twenty-four-layer cake.” I can’t help but smile, satisfied at her reactions. “A little taste of everything.”

Laine holds her belly, already imagining our oncoming feast. She’s practically drooling. “You know what the only thing is that would make this better?”

“Karaoke. Already planning on it. Much to my chagrin.”

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